SOUTHAMPTON is getting set for the Cricket World Cup.

Ahead of five fixtures at the Ageas Bowl this summer, the city hosted a launch event featuring ex-professionals and the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy itself.

Former England international spinner-turned-TV personality Phil Tufnell and Hampshire’s own former fast-medium bowler Chris Tremlett, who was also an England international, were on hand to unveil a graffiti mural at The Bargate.

Southampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, Cllr Satvir Kaur, and social influencer Charlie Morley helped launch the campaign, which encourages fans to share selfies of the wicket mural on social media using #CWC19Southampton for a chance to win tickets to see England take on the West Indies on Friday, June 14.

Former England bowler Tufnell told the Echo: “I’m sure all fans in Southampton would love to see England go up against Chris Gayle and the West Indies. If the recent series is anything to go by, I’m sure that match will be a cracker.”

Former England paceman Tremlett added: “The hype and excitement is really starting to ramp up now. This will only increase excitement locally as fans countdown the days to the start of the tournament.

“This summer will be one to savour for cricket fans around the World and Southampton have a big role to play as a host city of the Cricket World Cup.

The Wickets campaign has seen bespoke murals appear in each of the ten host cities showing what makes the city unique.

The Ageas Bowl in West End, the home of Hampshire cricket, hosts the England vs the West Indies clash, as well as four other international fixtures. South Africa will take on India in the first match on Wednesday, June 5, while South Africa then play the West Indies in the third group game on Monday, June 10. The venue also hosts India and Afghanistan on Saturday, June 22, while the final group game will see Bangladesh take on Afghanistan on Monday, June 24.